Hornsby Shire Council is directly responsible for 2,000 hectares of bushland. Council manages policies and strategies as well as operate programs to ensure that our bushlands and waterways and the flora and fauna that live in them are protected.

If you are concerned by wood-smoke from a neighbour’s chimney Council can investigate and try to reach a solution without enforcement.

In some situations Council may take action. Council officers must see excessive smoke coming from a chimney before action can be taken.

Odour complaints

When investigating an odour complaint Council considers factors including the source, the amount of odour emitted, the duration and rate of emission, the sensitivity of the surrounding environment and the impact.

You can reduce odour emissions by keeping your property tidy and preventing vegetation or rubbish from accumulating. Also, please consider weather conditions before starting work that will create an odour – for instance, don’t fertilise your garden on a hot day.

If you have concerns about an odour, you can ask Council to investigate.